Problems Caused By Air Pollution Essay -- essays research papers

Problems Caused By Air Pollution Some people think that air pollution is not harming the earth or the people, but it is doing worse, by killing the earth and getting people sick. "Air pollutants," according to Gay, "are known to cause respiratory diseases, cancer, and other serious illnesses" (12). Air pollution not only threatens the health and life of humans but also causes damage to the environment (Gay 13). First, air pollution causes a great deal of health problems. Wanting clean air is a good reason because air that is polluted can damage human health (Edelson 25). In the United States many health problems have occurred because of air pollution. According to Sproull, "For more than a decade, local residents in the tri-state valley bounded by Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia have claimed to suffer from health problems, including rashes, respiratory problems and even cancers" (D4). In 1948, in the industrial town of Donora, Pennsylvania, which sits in a valley, had twenty deaths, and nearly 6,000 residents, or 40% of the population, suffered respiratory problems (Edelson 25, 26). New York experienced several killer smogs, which in a later analysis attributed, from the usually severe pollution, 58 deaths (Edelson 26). Not only in the United States are health problems caused by air pollution showing up, but they are also showing up in other parts of the world, like Europe. In 1930, in Belgium's Meuse River valley, a major industrial region, where the primary fuel was coal reported sixty deaths, and about 6,000 residents of the valley became ill with breathing problems and respiratory infections (Edelson 25). In December 1952, the toll was huge in London from the infamous smog, which caused up to 4,000 deaths, when levels of sulfur oxides and particulates rose above normal (Edelson 26). Air pollution also increased deaths from chronic lung disease in the United States. "Although statistics on the physical effects of air pollution are not easily calculated," according to Edelson, "an alarming related statistic is that between 1970 and 1986, deaths in the United States from chronic lung disease rose 36%" (35). Air pollution has cost a great deal of money on health care in the United States. In terms of health care and lost productivity, the costs ... ... that do not harm the air, water, or land (Gay 121). Even though a large majority of Americans refuse to buy products or pay for services that contribute to environmental problems, people should still get involved (Gay 121). In order to save energy to save the earth, people should do the following: - When the lights are not in use, turn them off. - Instead of normal light bulbs, use compact fluorescent light bulbs. - On a short trip, walk or ride a bike. - Whenever possible, use public transportation. - To conserve heat or air conditioning, close off unused rooms. - To save fuel, adjust thermostat a few degrees lower for heating and higher for cooling. - For better efficiency, clean furnace and air condition filters. - Only when full, run the dishwasher, washer, and dryer. (Gay 115) There is no excuse, for not becoming involved to stop air pollution. Many scientists predict that the temperature of the earth will rise because of global warming (Edelson 87). Some scientists already believe that the earth is already warming (Edelson 87). If people do not become involved the earth will not be suitable enough to live on in the future, and there might not be anybody left for the future.